Hawkgirl is a legacy superheroine in DC Comics, most prominently embodied by Shiera Sanders Hall in the Golden Age, Shayera Hol in the Silver Age, and Kendra Saunders in modern continuities. The original version, Shiera Sanders, first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940), created by Gardner Fox and Dennis Neville, as the reincarnated ancient Egyptian princess Chay-Ara, partner to Hawkman (Carter Hall). She donned the Hawkgirl costume in All Star Comics #5 (1941) and became a key member of the Justice Society of America. The Silver Age introduced Shayera Hol in The Brave and the Bold #34 (March 1961), reimagining her as a Thanagarian police officer alongside Katar Hol. Post-*Crisis on Infinite Earths* continuity merges elements, with reincarnations tied to Nth metal granting flight, enhanced strength, and healing.
Major developments include the 1989 Hawkworld miniseries rebooting the Thanagarian origins, complicating timelines, and the 1999 introduction of Kendra Saunders in JSA: Secret Files and Origins #1, a troubled young woman whose body becomes host to Shiera's soul after suicide, creating a "walk-in" hybrid struggling with identity and independence from Hawkman. Kendra starred in her own series (2006–2007) and joined teams like the Justice League and Birds of Prey, often seeking autonomy from the reincarnation cycle.
In recent years, particularly post-Rebirth and events like Dark Nights: Metal, Kendra Saunders has solidified as the primary Hawkgirl, exploring her independence while occasionally aligning with Hawkman (Carter Hall) in the Justice Society. As of 2025, she features in ongoing stories emphasizing her fierce combat prowess, mystical heritage, and role as a winged warrior defending Earth, with appearances in crossovers and solo adventures highlighting her evolution into a standalone hero.